HELUKABEL Braids PLC-30/40 E2UK Braided Cable Sleeve

The HELUKABEL Braids PLC-30/40 /E2UK is a 25-meter industrial copper braided cable sleeve designed for cable bundling, mechanical protection, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Part of the HELUKABEL Braids product family, this sleeve features an expandable inner diameter of 30 to 40mm, making it suitable for grouping multiple cables or providing shielding for larger control cables in PLC automation systems, control cabinets, and industrial machinery.

Technical Specifications

The PLC-30/40 braid is constructed from tinned copper strands woven in a tubular braid configuration. Expandable inner diameter range: 30mm to 40mm. Body dimensions: 48mm × 6mm × 0.2mm. The sleeve is supplied in a 25-meter continuous length. Braid structure consists of tinned copper wires providing both mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. The E2UK designation indicates compliance with relevant industrial shielding standards. The product is manufactured by HELUKABEL, a recognized manufacturer of industrial cables and accessories. Gross weight of the 25-meter package is approximately 0.355 kg.

Key Features

• Expandable inner diameter: 30 to 40mm

• 25-meter continuous length per package

• Tinned copper strands for corrosion resistance

• EMI and RFI shielding for sensitive signal cables

• Abrasion and mechanical protection for cable bundles

• Flexible design for easy installation around bends

• Lightweight construction (approx. 355g per 25m coil)

Construction and Material

The braid is composed of multiple tinned copper strands interwoven to create a flexible tubular mesh. The tinned finish provides protection against oxidation, ensuring that the electrical conductivity for grounding purposes is maintained over the product’s service life. The weave density is engineered to provide adequate coverage for electromagnetic shielding while maintaining flexibility for installation in confined spaces. The braid has no internal adhesive or liner, allowing it to be positioned freely along the cable bundle. The expandable nature permits the braid to be stretched over cable assemblies, including pre-terminated cables, and then relaxed to conform snugly to the cable bundle diameter.

Shielding Performance

When the braid is connected to earth ground at one or both ends, it provides effective suppression of both radiated emissions from the cables and immunity from external electromagnetic interference. The tinned copper construction ensures a low-impedance path for high-frequency noise currents. Typical shielding effectiveness ranges from 40 to 70 dB depending on frequency, coverage density, and grounding method. For critical analog signals or high-speed communication buses, a shield termination gland or clamp should be used to provide a low-inductance ground connection. The braid is particularly effective at frequencies below 1 GHz, where most industrial interference (from VFDs, switching power supplies, and contactor transients) occurs.

Applications

The PLC-30/40 braid is suitable for shielding and bundling of PLC I/O cables, Profibus cables, DeviceNet trunks, Ethernet cables, and multi-conductor control cables. The expandable 30-40mm diameter range accommodates typical 10- to 30-core control cables and small to medium cable bundles. Additional applications include bundling multiple cables in machine control panels, retrofitting shielding to existing unshielded cable installations, protecting cables from rodent damage, and providing an additional layer of abrasion resistance for cables routed through cable carriers or cable trays.

Installation

To install, expand the braid radially and slide it over the cable or cable bundle. For long cable runs, the braid can be pulled over the cable similar to shrink tubing. The 25-meter length allows for multiple shorter sections or one longer run. Cut the braid to length using side cutters, taking care to bind the ends to prevent fraying. Terminate the braid by clamping under the shield lug of a metal cable gland, attaching a pigtail wire (solder or crimp) to the braid and connecting to ground, or using a shield clamp designed for DIN rail. For best EMI performance, terminate the braid at both ends to cabinet ground (360-degree connection preferred). Avoid leaving pigtails longer than 2 inches, as this reduces high-frequency effectiveness. The braid can be secured with heat shrink tubing over the ends or with cable ties.

Environmental and Compliance

The Braids PLC-30/40 E2UK is RoHS compliant and free from hazardous substances. The tinned copper construction provides good resistance to corrosion in industrial environments with moderate humidity. Operating temperature range: -20°C to +85°C. The braid is flame retardant according to applicable cable standards. The product is designed for indoor industrial use but may be used in outdoor enclosures when protected from direct weather exposure. The 25-meter coil should be stored indoors, away from moisture and chemicals.

Conclusion

The HELUKABEL Braids PLC-30/40 E2UK copper braided sleeve provides a practical solution for cable management and EMI shielding in industrial automation systems. Its expandable diameter, 25-meter length, and tinned copper construction make it a flexible and durable choice for PLC control cabinet wiring and field cabling.